John Ensign: “I rise because the most deliberative body in the world is facing a moment of great challenge but also great possibility.…”

“I rise because the most deliberative body in the world is facing a moment of great challenge but also great possibility. We should all feel the grave responsibility weighing on each of us as we debate this bill. If we pass legislation that truly stimulates the economy, it could carry this Nation to new levels of growth and prosperity. Unfortunately, if we pass a bloated spending bill with little chance of jump-starting the economy, we could delay this country's financial recovery for many years to come. While there isn't a crystal ball to show us what path will bring us to the ultimate goal, we are not without some guidance. Winston Churchill once said: Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. We have several examples from which to learn. We will heed those lessons if we absolutely want to raise this Nation from the economic quicksand that is swallowing it up more and more each day.”